A Dog Walking Business

If you’re a dog owner and religiously take your dog for daily walks, have you ever considered getting paid for taking other dogs for a walk? The main qualification to be able to do this is simply a love of animals and an ability to provide a safe environment for the dogs you are caring for.

As you probably know, some pet owners lead busy lives or lack the physical ability to take their pets for daily walks. The result is the pets miss out on exercise and fresh air and either develop behavioral problems or become fat and unhealthy.

Advantages of a dog walking business:

• Minimal start-up costs. Word of mouth is the easiest form of advertising. You can also make some flyers to announce your business to vets, obedience schools, pet shops, etc. Community newspapers are another advertising medium.
• The exercise is good for your own well-being as well as for the dogs.
• With many pet owners being away for most of the day, there should be a growing demand for your services.

Disadvantages of a dog walking business:

• Regardless of the weather, you’ll still have to fulfill your daily duties.
• You’re not likely to become rich.
• Aggressive dogs may be an issue. Arrange to meet a dog ahead of time to establish if it responds easily to commands and is easily controlled. Also, be prepared to meet aggressive stray dogs on your walks. You’ll need to be prepared to deal with the situation.

On your walks, carry a pooper scooper or poo bags and remember to pick up the droppings from dogs under your control. A failure to do this will lead to complaints and the possibility of on the spot fines.

You’ll need some good quality leashes and it’ll be a good idea to arm yourself with some pepper spray in case of attack by a stray dog. These things can be carried in a backpack.

Most dog walkers have a basic charge for a half-hour outing. Do some research on what other dog walkers are charging in your area so that you can come up with a competitive price.

Now you'll be ready to get started.